A RESCUE operation was launched last night when a replica Viking longboat with six French nationals on board was reported to be in trouble off the north-east coast of Scotland.
The eight-metre wooden vessel Thorvald was taking on water and in danger of sinking three miles off shore between Fraserburgh and Macduff.
Fraserburgh lifeboat, Macduff inshore lifeboat, and a helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth headed to the area after an emergency call was received by Aberdeen Coastguard.
A Coastguard spokesman said late last night that the vessel was being towed by the Fraserburgh lifeboat and was due to arrive at Fraserburgh harbour at about 12.15am.
All six people had been transferred on to the lifeboat and were said to be safe and well.
The Viking boat was believed to have been travelling with another pleasure craft.
Sea conditions were reported to be choppy with Force Five 20 knot winds.
The Coastguard spokesman said last night: ''We have no idea where the vessel is from, where it is registered, or where it was going. It has had rough seas which it couldn't handle and it was taking in water. With it being an open vessel there was quite a risk to the crew.''
He added: ''There was a gale warning of Force Eight in that area and it would seem that it was unwise and dangerous for that kind of boat to be there.''
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